Abstract:
In recent times, the global community has been dealing with more complex crises than ever before. The pairing of conflict and disaster is one such complex combination that challenges the ability of nations to ensure safety and well-being for their constituents. The growing number of disciplines that have concerned themselves with this area of scholarship indicates a need for an integrated framework in dealing with both issues as they should not be treated separately. This study intends to contribute to the discussion around the conflict and disaster nexus, particularly on how conflict resolution influences the degree of disaster risk. It employs a case study of Aceh, Indonesia, which is considered successful in ending and recovering from a prolonged conflict between Government of Indonesia (GoI) and Gerakan Aceh Merdeka/Free Aceh Movement (GAM), while also dealing with post-disaster recovery at the same time. To assess the interaction between post-conflict recovery (PCR) and efforts of reducing future disaster risk, a framework, inspired by Wisner, et al.'s (2012) Pressure and Release (PAR) model and Barakat's (2005) pillars of PCR is presented. The research finds that Aceh is at a lower risk of disaster compared with before the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. To some extent, PCR efforts have contributed to addressing people's vulnerability and enhancing individuals' capacities, which ultimately lead to reducing disaster risk. These improvements are due to the increased recognition and awareness of disaster issues as well as the re-establishment of governance systems in the region following the end of conflict. Nonetheless, some obstacles in achieving optimal results of PCR recovery remain. Identifying and understanding these concerns would be helpful in the pursuit of significantly reduced disaster risk through PCR process in conflict-and disaster-prone areas.